NFL preseason 2015: Panthers top Bills, 25-24
The Buffalo Bills are trying to find a starting quarterback who can lead them to the playoffs for the first time since 1999. On Friday, they got some encouraging signs that perhaps the man is on their roster. Matt Cassel got the start and helped the Bills play well before ultimately losing to the Carolina Panthers, 25-24, on Friday night at Ralph Wilson Stadium in their NFL preseason opener.
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Cassel came out strong and completed 6-of-7 passes for 45 yards before giving way to Tyrod Taylor. Taylor, who came over in free agency from the Baltimore Ravens, completed 5-of-8 throws for 49 yards before EJ Manuel finished the night off, tossing the only touchdown of the game between the trio. For the Panthers, Cam Newton was 5-of-10 for 83 yards and a touchdown, which was caught by Kelvin Benjamin.
Three Stars
1. Matt Cassel
Cassel didn’t make any incredible plays, but he also didn’t shrink under pressure. Cassel knows this is his job to lose and faced a solid Panthers defense. Wisely, Buffalo relied on its running game and allowed Cassel to make quick, safe throws. The result was a passable offense and Cassel staying in the lead of Buffalo’s quarterback race.
2. Devin Funchess
Funchess was the second-round pick of Carolina this year and flashed some talent on Friday. Funchess caught two passes for 53 yards on four targets, including a beautiful catch along the sideline for a 34-yard gain. Funchess has the body of a tight end but the speed of a receiver, making him a tough cover.
3. Deonte Thompson
Thompson hauled in a 51-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter courtesy of Manuel, giving Buffalo a fourth-quarter lead. Thompson came to the Bills as a free agent in his fourth season out of the University of Maryland. Plays like these could help the young man earn a job.
Injuries
Bills defensive lineman Jairus Wynn exited with an undisclosed injury and did not return.
Odds
Buffalo was favored by three points and did not cover the spread.
Next Week
The Bills will travel to take on the Cleveland Browns on Friday night, while the Panthers host the Miami Dolphins on Saturday night.